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What are you in the mood to watch tonight?

Author: ianthro

Phil Spector is a legendary producer in the music business. Starting his career in the 1950’s with his own band, he soon moved behind the acts and has been associated with the biggest names in rock and roll. But on a night in 2003, an actress is shot to death at his home. From then on there is a media whirlwind surrounding the accusation that Phil murdered her. This film depicts the events that occurred while he was on trial. Spector is no easy defendant, as he exhibits unusual celebrity behavior including wearing elaborate costumes and wigs to court. But is a person guilty because they are strange? You be the judge.

In this biopic we meet Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Born at the beginning of the twentieth century, Frida is a bold and confident woman in her day. She is crippled by an accident at the age of 18, which causes her to be bedridden for months. It is because of her immobilized state that she learns how to paint, and starts to create many of her famous self portraits. She is surrounded by the Mexican revolution and other fellow painters, like Diego Rivera, her husband, shape her life. This film feels more like a play and a work of art in itself. If you are in the mood for high level of visual entertainment along with a great story, this is the film to watch.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a breakout star in the art world. At the early age of 19, the self taught artist started to take New York by storm. His unique blend of neo-expressionism blended his roots as a graffiti artist which his commentary on race, capitalism and the American way of life. He quickly became a successful artist, with galleries selling out of his avant-garde paintings. But his success was cut short my a drug addiction that he couldn’t kick thanks to the loneliness that plagued him as he stood in a sea of crowds. Watch this film in you are in the mood for seeing the 80’s in a modern light, a feeling the sad lullaby of a talent taken too soon.

This film is based on the true story of a summer in the 1970’s when a young boy got the chance to learn how to paint from a master. 18 year old John has been painting on his own for years, but wonders if he is truly good enough to be a real painter. When his local framer gives world that a well known artist named Nikoli lives nearby, John petitions him to be his assistant. During that following summer, John learns many things that he never expected, and got the opportunity to grow not only as a man, but as an artist.

Even though this film was released in 2000, it feels like you are taking a step back into the 90’s. Rob Gordon is a record store owner and a guy who isn’t too lucky in love. When his latest girlfriend dumps him, he takes it as an opportunity to look at his past relationships to see what went wrong. There is a carousal of flashbacks as Rob looks over his love life while listening to vinyl records in his store. This fim feel quintessentially 90’s with its live alternative rock performances, slacker employees and angst. Great for a slow afternoon where you are in the mood for recent nostalgia.

This film, based on the book of the same name, is just as much a thriller as it is a memoir. It follows the author Stephen Elliot as an upcoming murder case forces him to delve into his past. Stephen is an accomplished author who is becoming the toast of the literary world. When this case enters his life, he begins to unravel as it brings up his own abused past and the strained relationship that he has with his father. Although this isn’t a light movie, it is a movies with moments of light. It is great for a quiet day at home when you are in the mood for something more introspective.

James Bond is back and classing up the joint. After the promotion of the new M, Bond takes leave of MI6, but not before completing a rogue mission in Mexico City. From there Bond gets into the trouble that you have grown to expect. This James has started to refine his ways more and more and starts to show signs of the classic Bond that has brought the series much love over the years. Watch when you are the mood for some awesome visuals and adventure and of course great cars.